Donovan proud to be American soccer hero

At 23, Landon Donovan already has played in the World Cup, won two MLS titles and played in more than 70 international matches.

And, oh yeah, he also has become the face of American soccer.

Between the training and traveling required for his jobs with the Los Angeles Galaxy and U.S. national team and related appearances, photo shoots and interviews, he doesn't have much private time. But the already legendary striker gladly accepts the responsibility.

"All of us who play here for less money than we could make and less fame than other players get around the world, we have the same goal in mind," Donovan said Friday, "We want soccer to develop and become a major sport in this country."

After two stints with Germany's Bayer Leverkusen, Donovan says he's content playing in his homeland, where he and his actress girlfriend, Bianca Kajlich, live a stone's throw from Hollywood.

In his first year with the Galaxy, his seven goals and five assists both lead the team. He previous played four seasons with San Jose, capturing MLS Cups in 2001 and 2003.

But, he says, he's proudest of his role in his country's evolution from laughingstock to powerhouse.

"Our goal is to continue progressing in the World Cup," said Donovan, who will leave after Saturday's match to join the national team in Hartford for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago.

"I love winning and any team I'm on, I expect to win. I don't think we could have said that 10 years ago."

Chivas USA and former Chivas Guadalajara and Mexican national team goalie Martin "the Octopus" Zuniga will be on hand Saturday and Sunday as a celebrity guest and autograph signer at the 2005 Copa Tecate semifinals at Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero.

Copa Tecate is the nation's largest Hispanic amateur tournament, starting in February with 2,441 teams from across the country. La Piedad from Chicago will be one of six teams playing this weekend for a spot in the finals Aug. 28 in San Diego.